Methods and compounds for inhibiting amyloid deposits

Abstract

Methods and compositions which are useful in the treatment of amyloidosis. In particular, methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting, preventing and treating amyloid deposition, e.g., in pancreatic islets, wherein the amyloidotic deposits are islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-associated amyloid deposition or deposits. The methods of the invention involve administering to a subject a therapeutic compound which inhibits IAPP-associated amyloid deposits. Accordingly, the compositions and methods of the invention are useful for inhibiting IAPP-associated amyloidosis in disorders in which such amyloid deposition occurs, such as diabetes.

1. A method for treating type II diabetes in a subject, comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of 3-dimethylamino-1-propanesulfonic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that said type II diabetes is treated. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein 3-dimethylamino-1-propanesulfonic acid is administered to the subject. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is 3-dimethylamino-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administration is oral. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the administration is oral. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is human. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein pancreatic function is improved. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein IAPP-associated amyloid deposition is reduced. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 2 , wherein IAPP-associated amyloid deposition is reduced.